HESI Focus on Maternity Exam Related

Review HESI Focus on Maternity Exam related questions and content

The healthcare provider is planning care for a client at 30 weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which medication is most important in preventing this fetus from developing respiratory distress syndrome?

  • A. Ampicillin 1 gram IV push every 8 hours
  • B. Betamethasone 12 mg deep IM
  • C. Terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneously every 15 minutes for 3 doses
  • D. Butorphanol tartrate 1 mg IV push every 2 hours as needed
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to stimulate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Ampicillin (Choice A) is an antibiotic and does not prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Terbutaline (Choice C) is a tocolytic used to inhibit contractions and does not directly prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Butorphanol tartrate (Choice D) is an opioid analgesic and does not have a role in preventing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.